Pak Govt, opposition agree to clip powers of President

Pakistan ruling and opposition parties have agreed to clip the powers of the President. A mutual understanding has been arrived between the government and the opposition in the Senate.

Islamabad, Aug 21 : Pakistan ruling and opposition parties have agreed to clip the powers of the President. A 'mutual understanding' has been arrived between the government and the opposition in the Senate.

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Mian Raza Rabbani moved the 18th Amendment Bill aimed at clipping president's powers to promulgate an ordinance if the Upper House is in session.

According to the bill, Article 89 of the Constitution places fetters on the legislation through ordinances and it seems to be "an anomaly, all bills excepting the money bills can originate in either House."

The constitutional amendment seeks to correct this position, The News reported.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Senator Kamil Ali Agha did not oppose this Bill, and subsequently it was referred to the standing committee concerned.

ANI